In the event of a cardiac arrest, the Palmerton Police Department is now better equipped to deal with such a scenario.

That's thanks to the help of Crusaders For A Cause, which donated an Automated External Defibrillator to the department on Monday.Christina Obrecht, president of the organization, was joined by several members to present the device to the department.Obrecht said the organization raised $1,400 through a coin pitch to purchase the device, the first of its kind for the department.She said the AED is a portable electronic device that assists in cardiac arrest through the use of the defibrillator."It feels great, but I hope they don't have to use it," Obrecht said. "But, if so, they have one now."Patrolman Dan Magarelli said the police department was grateful for the apparatus."It's an awesome thing for the department to have in the vehicle," Magarelli said. "It was real nice of them, and it's a great addition to the department."Obrecht said the group is a non-profit organization that raises money to donate to local charities.Some of its fundraisers include coin pitches, candle sales, food sales, carnivals, and raffles, to name a few.Obrecht said the organization is in search of more volunteers, and donations are always excepted.Vendors are sought for the organization's fifth annual spring carnival, which will be held May 27-30 in the Palmerton Borough Park. Proceeds from that event will benefit Relay for Life.Those interested may contact

crusadrs@ptd.net, or phone (610) 390-1655.The organization was founded by nine members who now form its board of directors: Obrecht, Larry Zawaly, Benjamin Coombs, Amanda Ahner, Irene Obrecht, Robert Obrecht, Ryan Shupp, Lori Hrebik, and Mike Rauch.Crusaders For A Cause was incorporated in the state of Pennsylvania on May 22 under the Non-Profit Corporation Law of 1988 as amended, to help raise money for various charities.Those charities include Relay For Life/American Cancer Society, St. Jude's Children's Hospital, March of Dimes, and many others including worthwhile community causes or projects.For more information on Crusaders For A Cause, visit their website at

www.crusaders4acause.mysite.com.